April 30 – Real Madrid’s German centre-back Antonio Rudiger has been handed a six-match ban for throwing an object at an official in the Copa de Rey final against arch-rivals Barcelona at the weekend. Jules Kounde scored in the 116th minute for Barca to win 3-2.
Rudiger had already been subbed off, before launching the object — reportedly a small ice pack — towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea in the dying moments of extra time. It missed, but the message was loud and clear: Rudiger wasn’t buying what the man in the middle was selling.
Rudiger’s Real Madrid teammate Lucas Vázquez was also sent off during the heated finale, protesting furiously after a foul was given against Kylian Mbappé in the build-up to Barça’s late winner. Vázquez has been slapped with a two-game ban.
The Spanish FA (RFEF) cited “minor violence against the referees” in handing out Rudiger’s lengthy suspension, a ruling that will see the defender sidelined for a significant chunk of domestic fixtures — though some of that time may double as rehab. The 32-year-old underwent surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee on Tuesday, describing the procedure as “unavoidable” after playing through severe pain.
As the storm raged, there was at least some reprieve for Real: the RFEF revoked Jude Bellingham’s post-match red card after video evidence showed the England midfielder’s confrontation with officials wasn’t as fiery as originally reported.
Bellingham, the scapegoat in the initial match report, had supposedly approached the referee “in an aggressive attitude”, but footage painted a different picture.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti escaped with a mere warning after expressing his own frustrations – albeit with more restraint – from the touchline.
It was a final that had everything: goals, controversy, and a bench-clearing brawl in spirit if not in action. But for Rudiger, it ends not just with a medal-less night, but six games in the stands and a stint on the treatment table.
He has since issued an apology for his behaviour on social media.
“There’s definitely no excuse for my behaviour last night. I’m very sorry for that,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“We played a very good game from the 2nd half on – After 111 minutes I was not able to help my team anymore and before the final whistle I did a mistake.
“Sorry again to the referee and to everyone I have disappointed last night.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1746040413labto1746040413ofdlr1746040413owedi1746040413sni@g1746040413niwe.1746040413yrrah1746040413